Senior Spotlight: Talia Harb

They wanted a school that had strong academics and a strong faith-based connection.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards for these activities? (These can be affiliated with TFA or outside of school)

I am the SGA Tozer House President, I am involved in Student-Athlete Leadership, and I am the SGA House Leader. I won the Tozer House Wisdom Award and I am in the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and the National Society of High School Scholars. I am an AAU Volleyball Academic All-American, am my Club Volleyball Team Captain, and I am the Varsity Volleyball Team Co-Captain. I am involved in Wounded Warriors, FCA, and the Comfort Club.

Which colleges have you applied to and which ones have you be accepted to thus far? (Please include if you have made a decision to attend a certain college next year)

I have applied to some dream schools in addition to schools in Florida. I do not receive any news from these colleges until early January.

What do you plan to study in college and what are your long-term career goals?

I plan to study Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering/Science. I am really interested in the development of renewable energy systems/technology and sustainable building/design, and would like to work within this field.

Have you received any college scholarships? If so, which ones? (Or, which ones are your currently nominated for)

I will not know of any scholarships until I hear back from the colleges I have applied to.

Who is/are your favorite TFA teacher(s), and why? (Teachers can be K4-12)

Mrs. Wasylik is definitely one of my favorite teachers I have ever had. You can tell she really loves what she does and her depth of knowledge and experience made her class one that I was so excited to go to every day. I would take AP Environmental Science all over again if I could. She made the class so much fun with labs, field trips, and competitions, like the Envirothon. She and her class are definitely two main reasons why I am interested in renewable energy and engineering. Mr. Harrison has also been one of my favorite teachers. His knowledge of math and physics still blows me away, yet he can make the hardest concepts understandable. I love still being able to talk to my amazing Lower and Middle School teachers, like Mrs. Scheussler and Mrs. Requejo.

How has TFA made a difference in, or impacted your life?

I have been able to grow stronger in my faith because of TFA and the influential teachers that have been role models throughout my years here. It is like a family here and I feel that the teachers and my friends have made a powerful impact on who I am today and how my faith has grown.

How do you feel that The First Academy has prepared you for life after graduation?

I feel that the challenging curriculum has given me a solid foundation for my future college classes. I am prepared for the work and effort I will have to put in at my college because of the academics at TFA. I am also prepared to stand strong in my faith with whatever challenges I will face.

What does it mean to you to be a The First Academy alumni?

I feel like I have a responsibility to uphold the TFA reputation and have a positive impact after graduation.